Convertible Garment

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides a convertible garment including a pocket, wherein, when the pocket is in a first configuration, the pocket is attached to an interior surface of the garment body. Alternatively, when the pocket is in a second configuration, the garment folds into the pocket enabling portability when the garment is not being worn. Further, when the garment is being both worn and stored, the pocket may store personal items of the user, such as a cell phone, lip balm, and/or credit cards.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application incorporates by reference and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61/709,154 filed on Oct. 2, 2012.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to a garment including a hidden pocket into which the garment may be folded and stored.

People are routinely exposed to changes in temperatures, sometimes fairly extreme and sudden. Many people are familiar with the experience of finding themselves, or the people they are with, in a situation in which they are cold and unprepared and would like to wear an additional layer of clothing. Common examples include when traveling on an airplane, in restaurants, in movie theaters, in office buildings, and at events like weddings.

These experiences can be further intensified by seasonal conditions. For example, the winter provides numerous situations in which people may find themselves wanting an additional layer of clothing. Similarly, in spring and fall, the temperatures may be often warmer or colder than expected, often oscillating between the two in the same day. In summer, the use of air conditioning, particularly in public places where the air is aggressively cooled, often necessitates the addition and subtraction of clothing layers as one moves between outdoors and indoors.

Carrying one or several garments for yourself or family can be inconvenient. Typical sweaters and similar clothing items can be bulky, need to be carried, thereby occupying the person's hands, or stuffed into a purse and are open to becoming soiled when being carried for future use. Previous attempts to provide solutions to these problems have not provided clothing that meet the needs of those that could use them.

Accordingly, there is a need for a lightweight, portable, compact, fashion-forward, wrinkle-free, garment that converts into a portable item for people in need of an easily portable layering garment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a lightweight, portable, compact, fashion-forward, wrinkle-free garment that folds into its own pocket to protect from soiling and increase portability. Various examples of the convertible garment are provided herein.

In an embodiment, the convertible garment comprises a garment body including a back panel, wherein the back panel includes a horizontal seam, and a pocket including a first panel, a second panel, and a flap, wherein the flap extends from a top edge of the first panel. The top edge of the second panel attaches to an interior surface of the back panel along the horizontal seam. The first panel includes a first panel first side and a first panel second side and the second panel includes a second panel first side and a second panel second side. When the pocket is in a first configuration, the first panel second side and second panel first side form a first interior of a first pocket chamber. Alternatively, when the pocket is in a second configuration, the first panel first side and the second panel second side form a second interior of a second pocket chamber. Further, when the pocket is in a second configuration, the flap may be removeably connected to the second panel first side.

In an example, the first interior of the first pocket chamber is equivalent to an exterior surface of the second pocket chamber, and wherein the second interior of the second pocket chamber is equivalent to an exterior surface of the first pocket chamber.

In another example, the only permanent connection between the pocket and the garment body may be along the horizontal seam. In an example, the first panel and second panel are attached along two side seams.

The first panel and second panel may be one continuous piece of fabric connected along the side edges of the first panel and second panel. In addition, a continuous piece of fabric may include the first panel, the second panel, and the flap.

When the pocket is in the second configuration, the garment may be stored in the second pocket chamber. Alternatively, when the pocket is in a first configuration, the pocket may be positioned along the interior surface of the back panel of the garment. In addition, when the pocket is in the first configuration, the first pocket chamber may store personal items.

An advantage of the garment described herein is its ease of use; it takes minimal effort to fold and unfold and it can be folded and transported in its own pocket.

Another advantage of the garment is that it provides a convenient, compact, lightweight garment that is protected from soiling when folded into its attached water repellent and tear proof pocket.

A further advantage is that the garment can be carried in a purse, stroller, overnight bag, etc. or stored in a glove box, office drawer, etc. without wrinkling.

Yet another advantage is that the garment is convenient for travel, events, restaurants, movie theatres or anywhere where there are changes in the temperature due to air conditioning and/or changes in the weather.

Another advantage of the garment is that it serves to eliminate the need for families to carry bulky clothing in a car, purse, or stroller, which occupies limited space, and may get soiled.

A further advantage of the preferred embodiment described herein is that there are no buttons or zippers, making it easy and quick to use, as well as making it easy to clean, as the convertible garment is machine washable. Further, the design of the preferred embodiment described herein is fashion forward and flattering to most body types.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1A is a front view of an embodiment of the convertible garment in a first configuration.

FIG. 1B is a front view of an embodiment of the convertible garment in a second configuration with the flap open to depict the stored garment body.

FIG. 1C is a front view of an embodiment of the convertible garment in a second configuration.

FIG. 2A is a front view of the garment body without the pocket in order to depict the horizontal seam.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the garment body without the pocket in order to depict the top side and bottom side of the horizontal seam.

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of an embodiment convertible garment in a first configuration.

FIG. 3B is a back perspective view of an embodiment of the convertible garment in a first configuration, wherein the back panel of the garment body is shown in phantom to provide a view of the second panel second side.

FIG. 3C is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the convertible garment in a first configuration, wherein the flap is lifted up to provide a view of the card holder.

FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of an embodiment convertible garment in a second configuration.

FIG. 4B is a front perspective view of an embodiment convertible garment in a second configuration, wherein the flap is in an open position.

FIG. 4C is a back perspective view of an embodiment convertible garment in a second configuration, wherein the flap is in an open position.

FIG. 4D is a back perspective view of an embodiment convertible garment in a second configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a convertible garment 10 including a pocket 22, wherein, when the pocket 22 is in a first configuration 12, the pocket 22 is attached to an interior surface 34 of the garment body 16, as shown in FIG. 1A. The pocket 22 in the first configuration 12 may store personal items of the user, such as a cell phone, lip balm, credit cards, etc. Alternatively, when the pocket 22 is in a second configuration 14, as shown in FIGS. 2-3, the garment body 10 folds into the pocket 22 enabling organized portability when the garment body 16 is not being worn. In one example, the pocket 22 may store personal items even in the second configuration 14.

In an embodiment, the convertible garment 10 comprises a garment body 16 including a back panel 18. The garment body 10 may be any type of garment, including, but not limited to, a shirt, cardigan, wrap, pants, shawl, scarf, or jacket. In a preferred embodiment, the garment body 16 is constructed from a wrinkle resistant material.

The back panel 18 of the garment body 16 includes a horizontal seam 20 that extends across at least a portion of the back panel 18. In an example, the horizontal seam 20 extends from one side seam of the garment body 16 to an opposite side seam of the garment body 16. The horizontal seam 20 may be any suitable seam. For example, the horizontal seam 20 may be a double enforced plain stitch. In the example shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the horizontal seam 20 is an overlock seam. The horizontal seam 20 extends from the interior surface 34 of the back panel 18 and forms a top side 60 of the horizontal seam 20 and a bottom side 62 of the horizontal seam 20, as shown in FIG. 2B. Preferably, the top edge 32 of the second panel 26 is attached to the top side 60 of the horizontal seam 20 to provide durability and strength to the convertible garment 10 in order to maintain numerous inversions between the first configuration 12 and second configuration 14. The relationship between the top edge 32 of the second panel 25 and the top side 60 of the horizontal seam 20 further optimizes the placement of the garment body 16 into the pocket 22—the location of this attachment enables the garment body 16 to be easily folded over the top edge 32 to be completely contained within the pocket 22. In one example, the only permanent connection between the pocket 22 and the garment body 16 may be along the horizontal seam 20.

The convertible garment 10 also includes a pocket 22 including a first panel 24, a second panel 26, and a flap 28, wherein the flap 28 extends from a top edge 30 of the first panel 24. In an example, the first panel 24 and second panel 26 are attached along two side seams 58. The first panel 24 and second panel 26 may be one continuous piece of fabric connected along the side edges 58 of the first panel 24 and second panel 26. In addition, a continuous piece of fabric may include the first panel, 24 the second panel 26, and the flap 28, wherein the first panel 24 and second panel 26 may be connected along the side edges 58 of the first panel 24 and second panel 26.

The pocket 22 may be any suitable size such that the garment body 16 may be stored within the pocket 22. In an example, when the garment body 16 includes a women's sweater or outer wrap, the pocket 22 may be approximately nine inches wide by five inches tall by three inches long, with a flap 28 that runs the length of the pocket. In one example, when the pocket 22 is in the second configuration 14, the flap 28 may be closed and temporarily sealed using connectors 44, as shown in FIG. 4B. For example, when the pocket 22 is in a second configuration 14, the flap 28 is removeably connected to the second panel first side 40. The connectors 44 may be any suitable fastening system, such as a hook and loop fastening system, a zipper, snaps, buttons, or other closing mechanisms may temporarily attach the flap 28 to the second panel 26. The connectors 44 may facilitate enclosing the garment body 16 within the pocket 22, such that the second configuration 14 is compact, protected, and ready for easy storage and transportation. Further, the pocket 22 may be made of the same material as the garment, or preferably, from a water-proof and/or tear-proof material for durability. When the garment body 16 is stored within the pocket 20, a pocket 22 including water-proof material provides protection to the garment body 16 inside the pocket 22.

The top edge 32 of the second panel 26 attaches to an interior surface 34 of the back panel 18 along the horizontal seam 20. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the first panel 24 includes a first panel first side 36 and a first panel second side 38 and the second panel 26 includes a second panel first side 40 and a second panel second side 42. When the pocket 22 is in a first configuration 12, the first panel second side 38 and second panel first side 40 form a first interior 46 of a first pocket chamber 48, as shown in FIG. 3A. Alternatively, when the pocket 22 is in a second configuration 14, the first panel first side 36 and the second panel second side 42 form a second interior 50 of a second pocket chamber 52, as shown in FIGS. 4B-4D. As discussed above, when the pocket 22 is in the second configuration 14, the garment 16 may be stored in the second pocket chamber 52.

In an example, the first interior 46 of the first pocket chamber 48 is equivalent to an exterior surface 56 of the second pocket chamber 52, and wherein the second interior 50 of the second pocket chamber 52 is equivalent to an exterior surface 54 of the first pocket chamber 48. In other words, the second configuration 14 of the pocket 22 is an inversion of the pocket 22 in the first configuration 12.

When the pocket 22 is in a first configuration 12, the pocket 22 may be positioned along the interior surface 34 of the back panel 18 of the garment body 16, such that the pocket 22 rests in the small of a user's back. Thus allowing the user to discretely store personal items in the first pocket chamber.

The convertible garment 10 may further include a card holder 62 attached between the flap 28 and the first panel first side 36. FIG. 3C depicts an example of a convertible garment 10 in the first configuration 12, wherein FIG. 3C depicts the flap 28 lifted up to provide a view of the card holder 62 between the flap 28 and the first panel first side. FIG. 4B depicts the convertible garment 10 in the second position 14, wherein the convertible garment 10 includes the card holder 62. When the convertible garment 10 including the card holder 62 converts from the first position 12 to the second position 14, the card holder 62 is secured within the pocket 22 in the second position 14. The card holder 62 may be a small pocket to hold credit cards and/or a license. However, it is contemplated that the card holder 62 may store any suitable item, such as small personal items such as cell phones, lip gloss, keys, etc. The card holder 62 may be made from the same or different material as the pocket 22.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. For example, various embodiments of the method and portable electronic device may be provided based on various combinations of the features and functions from the subject matter provided herein. 

We claim:
 1. A convertible garment comprising: a garment body including a back panel, wherein the back panel includes a horizontal seam; and a pocket including a first panel, a second panel, and a flap, wherein the flap extends from a top edge of the first panel, wherein the top edge of the second panel attaches to an interior surface of the back panel along the horizontal seam, wherein the first panel includes a first panel first side and a first panel second side, wherein the second panel includes a second panel first side and a second panel second side, wherein, when the pocket is in a first configuration, the first panel second side and second panel first side form a first interior of a first pocket chamber, wherein, when the pocket is in a second configuration, the first panel first side and the second panel second side form a second interior of a second pocket chamber.
 2. The convertible garment of claim 1 wherein the first interior of the first pocket chamber is equivalent to an exterior surface of the second pocket chamber, and wherein the second interior of the second pocket chamber is equivalent to an exterior surface of the first pocket chamber.
 3. The convertible garment of claim 1 wherein the only permanent connection between the pocket and the garment body is along the horizontal seam.
 4. The convertible garment of claim 1 wherein the first panel and second panel are attached along two side seams.
 5. The convertible garment of claim 1 wherein the first panel and second panel are one continuous piece of fabric connected along the side edges of the first panel and second panel.
 6. The convertible garment of claim 1 wherein a continuous piece of fabric includes the first panel, the second panel, and the flap.
 7. The convertible garment of claim 1 wherein, when the pocket is in the second configuration, the garment may be stored in the second pocket chamber.
 8. The convertible garment of claim 1 wherein, when the pocket is in the first configuration, the first pocket chamber may store personal items.
 9. The convertible garment of claim 1 wherein, when the pocket is in a second configuration, the flap is removeably connected to the second panel first side.
 10. The convertible garment of claim 1 wherein, when the pocket is in a first configuration, the pocket is positioned along the interior surface of the back panel of the garment body. 